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N.Y.C. Council speaker calls on Mayor Eric Adams to resign; KY could do more to protect kids from accidental drug ingestion, shootings; OH food banks face fed funding uncertainty, DeWine budget cuts; Protesters say Trump administration actions 'cast aside democracy.'

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On a Middle East visit, Sen. Richard Blumenthal rejects a Gaza takeover. President's Day protests erupt around the country against White House moves, and another aviation accident draws attention to recent FAA cuts.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Medicare open enrollment brings Mainers new savings on prescription drugs

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Monday, October 21, 2024   

Medicare open enrollment is underway and Maine seniors are encouraged to weigh the various plans.

Advisors say it's important to consider both healthcare and budget needs, and to read the annual notice of change - which should have already arrived in the mail.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said it's important to make sure all providers and medications are still covered.

"Don't make this a last minute decision," said Randall, "It's way too much information, and it's an important decision to think about the health insurance coverage that you're going to have for next year."

Randall said it's important to know the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage - which may have additional benefits including dental, vision, and hearing.

She said counselors are available to help at medicare.gov.

More than 300,000 Mainers receive Medicare. One of the biggest changes they'll see this year is a new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs under Part D.

Bridget Quinn, advocacy and outreach director with AARP Maine, said the savings are timely and important.

"So, we know the first top ten - which were some of the most costly drugs to Medicare - have been negotiated," said Quinn. "We do know what the prices are, and hopefully we're seeing that in 2025 some of those savings will be passed on to consumers."

People with Medicare Part D drug coverage now pay nothing out-of-pocket for even more vaccines, and monthly insulin costs are capped at $35.

Quinn said those savings mean people are more likely to take their medicine as prescribed and have their basic needs met.

She noted that for first-time Medicare applicants, the many healthcare and insurance terms can be confusing.

AARP has also created an online Medicare Resource Center to help people navigate the process.

Open enrollment dates vary based on the type of health plan. For those eligible for Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period is consistently set from October 15 to December 7 each year. People with employer-sponsored coverage typically select a plan during a two-to-three week period between September and December. And open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. More information is available at www.UHCOpenEnrollment.com.









Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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